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Mitochondria-Derived Peptide · AMPK Pathway Research

MOTS-c Research Compound

10mg Vial 40mg Vial COA: Krause Analytical Finnrick Pulse Sabrina Runbeck PA-C
For Research Use Only · Not for Human Use

Overview

What Is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c — Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c — is a 16-amino acid peptide that originates directly from the mitochondrial genome. Unlike virtually all other known peptides, it is not encoded in the nuclear genome. Instead, it is translated from a short open reading frame within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene region, making it a member of the exceptionally rare class of mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs).

Published research on this peptide was first described by Lee et al. at the University of Southern California (USC) in 2015, establishing MOTS-c as a mitochondrial signaling molecule of research interest. Its discovery expanded the recognized coding capacity of the mitochondrial genome beyond its well-known 13 protein-coding genes, raising new questions about mitochondrial-nuclear communication in cell biology research.

Amino Acid Sequence (Single-Letter Code) M · R · W · Q · E · M · G · Y · I · F · Y · P · R · K · L · R

The peptide's position at the intersection of mitochondrial genome biology and AMPK pathway research has made it a subject of ongoing preclinical inquiry. Its 16-residue sequence — MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR — and relatively low molecular weight of approximately 2174 Da allow it to be studied in standard in vitro and in vivo research models.

Molecular Weight
~2174 Da
Molecular Formula
C₁₀₅H₁₇₃N₃₃O₂₆S
CAS Number
1627580-64-6
Residues
16 amino acids
Genome Origin
Mitochondrial 12S rRNA
Discovery
Lee et al., USC, 2015

Research Background

Areas of Published Research

Published research has examined MOTS-c across several intersecting areas of cell biology and preclinical modeling. The five primary research contexts represented in the peer-reviewed literature are outlined below. For a comprehensive index, visit the PubMed database.

AMPK Pathway Activation Research in Cell Models
Published research has examined MOTS-c's relationship to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling in cultured cell models. AMPK is a well-characterized cellular energy sensor studied in the context of metabolic pathway regulation.
Mitochondrial-Nuclear Crosstalk Research
As a mitochondria-encoded peptide, MOTS-c has been studied for its potential role in retrograde signaling — the communication pathway from mitochondria to the nucleus. Published research has examined this crosstalk in cell-based experimental systems.
Metabolic Pathway Research in Preclinical Models
Preclinical research models have been used to examine MOTS-c's relationship to metabolic pathway signaling. This includes rodent model studies evaluating pathway activation patterns under various experimental conditions.
Insulin Signaling Pathway Research in Animal Models
Published research has examined interactions between MOTS-c and insulin signaling pathway components in animal model systems. This body of work operates within the broader context of cellular glucose utilization pathway research.
Cellular Stress Response Pathway Research
Research has explored MOTS-c's association with cellular stress response pathways in both in vitro and animal model contexts, including mitochondrial stress signaling and related pathway activation patterns.
View MOTS-c Research on PubMed

Research Context

MOTS-c vs. Humanin

MOTS-c and Humanin are both classified as mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs) — a small family of peptides that originate from open reading frames within the mitochondrial genome. Both have been subjects of published research interest due to their unusual genomic origin.

Both encoded in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA region — distinct research profiles
MOTS-c
  • 16-amino acid sequence: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR
  • Encoded within the 12S rRNA coding region of the mitochondrial genome
  • Published research focuses on AMPK pathway activation in cell models and mitochondrial-nuclear signaling
  • Discovered and described by Lee et al. (USC, 2015)
  • Research context: metabolic pathway and cellular energy sensing research
Humanin
  • 21-amino acid peptide, distinct sequence from MOTS-c
  • Also encoded in the 16S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome
  • Published research focuses on cytoprotective pathway signaling and apoptosis research in cell models
  • Described in earlier publications (circa 2001–2003)
  • Research context: neuroprotective pathway research and cellular survival pathway research

Sequence Labs Supply

MOTS-c Research Sample Availability

Sequence Labs supplies MOTS-c as a lyophilized research sample in two sizes. Every vial is tested by Krause Analytical using HPLC and mass spectrometry, with the Certificate of Analysis issued via Finnrick Pulse and the catalog reviewed by Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C. For research use only. Not for human use.

10mg
MOTS-c · Lyophilized
~$65
  • HPLC + Mass Spectrometry verified
  • Krause Analytical — independent lab
  • COA via Finnrick Pulse
  • Reviewed: Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C
  • ≥98% purity standard
  • Lyophilized, stable for shipping
Research Use Only · Not for Human Use
Best Value
40mg
MOTS-c · Lyophilized
~$185
  • HPLC + Mass Spectrometry verified
  • Krause Analytical — independent lab
  • COA via Finnrick Pulse
  • Reviewed: Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C
  • ≥98% purity standard
  • Lyophilized, stable for shipping
Research Use Only · Not for Human Use

Quality Chain: Every MOTS-c research sample from Sequence Labs passes through independent third-party testing at Krause Analytical using dual-method verification (HPLC and mass spectrometry). The resulting Certificate of Analysis is digitally issued and accessible through the Finnrick Pulse COA platform. Catalog compounds are reviewed by Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C for catalog integrity and research-use accuracy. All products are for research use only. Not for human use.

Reconstitution Reference

Preparing a MOTS-c Research Sample

MOTS-c research samples arrive as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. The following reference outlines a standard solvent introduction procedure used in laboratory research settings. This information is provided for research reference only.

Solvent Introduction Procedure — Research Reference
  1. 1
    Allow the sealed research sample vial to reach ambient laboratory temperature before opening. Inspect the lyophilized cake for integrity.
  2. 2
    Select a suitable research solvent. Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) is the most commonly used solvent for lyophilized peptide research samples and supports longer-term storage of the prepared research solution at 2–8 °C.
  3. 3
    Using sterile technique and appropriate laboratory equipment, introduce the solvent slowly into the vial, directing the stream down the inside wall — not directly onto the lyophilized cake — to minimize foaming and degradation.
  4. 4
    Gently swirl the vial to allow the lyophilized powder to dissolve. Do not shake vigorously. The research solution should appear clear. Allow several minutes for complete dissolution if needed.
  5. 5
    Label the vial with compound identity, solvent volume introduced, date prepared, and solvent concentration calculated for your research protocol. Store at 2–8 °C; use within the timeframe appropriate for your research design.
Research Use Only. This reconstitution reference is provided for qualified laboratory researchers only. MOTS-c from Sequence Labs is not intended for human use, human consumption, clinical application, or any therapeutic purpose. All procedures described apply exclusively to in vitro and in vivo laboratory research models. Not for human use. Not evaluated by the FDA.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MOTS-c?
MOTS-c stands for Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c. It is a 16-amino acid peptide (sequence: MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR) encoded within the mitochondrial genome — specifically in the 12S rRNA gene region. It was first described by Lee et al. at the University of Southern California in 2015 and is available from Sequence Labs as a lyophilized research compound in 10mg and 40mg sizes. For research use only. Not for human use.
Why is MOTS-c unique among peptides?
MOTS-c is one of a very small class of peptides encoded directly in the mitochondrial genome rather than the nuclear genome. The mitochondrial genome has only 37 known genes, and MOTS-c is translated from a short open reading frame within the 12S rRNA region — an area not previously expected to code for functional peptides. This makes it a subject of research interest in the field of mitochondrial biology and mitochondrial-nuclear signaling research.
What AMPK pathway research has been conducted on MOTS-c?
Published research has examined MOTS-c in the context of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathway activation in cell models, mitochondrial-nuclear crosstalk, metabolic pathway research in preclinical models, insulin signaling pathway research in animal models, and cellular stress response pathway research. All Sequence Labs products are for in vitro and preclinical research use only and are not intended for human application.
What sizes of MOTS-c does Sequence Labs offer?
Sequence Labs offers MOTS-c in two research sample sizes: 10mg (approximately $65) and 40mg (approximately $185). Both sizes are HPLC and mass spectrometry tested by Krause Analytical, with a Certificate of Analysis available via Finnrick Pulse and catalog review by Sabrina Runbeck, PA-C. View current availability at the Products page.
How is MOTS-c reconstituted for research use?
To prepare a MOTS-c research sample, introduce bacteriostatic water or sterile water for injection as a solvent into the lyophilized vial. Direct the solvent stream along the inner wall of the vial rather than onto the powder cake directly. Gently swirl to dissolve. Label with compound, date, and concentration. Store at 2–8 °C. All procedures are for qualified laboratory research use only. Not for human use.
Is MOTS-c from Sequence Labs for human use?
No. MOTS-c from Sequence Labs is strictly for research use only. It is not intended for human use, human consumption, clinical application, or any therapeutic purpose. These products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For research use only.

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For research use only. Not for human use. Not evaluated by the FDA.